Description
This Chilean Corn and Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with corn, layered under a smooth cornmeal topping, and finished with melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole combines savory spices like cumin and paprika to deliver a rich flavor that warms the soul and feeds a family of six.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cornmeal Topping
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it turns brown, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté together until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Combine Seasonings: Stir the drained corn into the beef mixture along with cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Cornmeal Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the cornmeal and milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish lightly with oil or butter. Spread the beef and corn mixture evenly in the dish as the bottom layer. Pour the cornmeal mixture evenly over the top of the beef layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the cornmeal mixture to form the top layer of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set further and make slicing easier.
Notes
- You can substitute the shredded cheese with a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend depending on your preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped green chilies or a pinch of chili powder to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a creamier cornmeal topping, you can increase the milk quantity slightly.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to enhance flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
